Which fine establishment churns out the best creamy chickpea goodness? To get to the bottom of the age-old question, Westsiderag.com recently invited the first eight responders to a hummus tasting.
I was number nine.
But that's ok, because I'm having my own fun over here. And by fun, I mean a personal hummus, falafel, and etc. face-off of my go-to East 80's spots.
Soom Soom
Is it bad that the staff at the 2nd Avenue location of this all-the-Middle-Eastern-salads-you-can-stuff-in-your-bowl bar knows me and has seen my wedding photos? As if amazing pita, seemingly healthy heaps of Israeli salads, and dense tahini-rich hummus weren't enough, this place hosts Wacky Wednesdays where you buy one overflowing falafel and get another free.
Deliciousness factor: Consistently good.
Stomach hurting factor: High. For me, Soom Soom is all or none. I can't help but walk away disgustingly full every time. It's unfortunate that that never stops me.
Beyoglu
With Beyoglu approximately 17 steps from my front door, it was impossible to avoid popping in for takeout any less than four times a week when we first moved in. After all, the reasonably priced mezze plates are solidly portioned with flavorful sauteed spinach, hummus, tabouli, and more. However, I do wish there were a whole wheat option to replace their fluffy Turkish bread so I wouldn't feel so bad indulging.
Deliciousness factor: YUM.
Stomach hurting factor: SEVERE. I don't know what it is, but something is either not kosher with my guts or Beyoglu's kitchen after eating here...
Francela
Haven't been to the small Middle Eastern prepared food grocer that opened right next to Beyoglu? I won't exactly tell you to run and try it. While the hummus they tout as "the best," "made with the highest quality ingredients," and "more authentic than Beyoglu," is certainly airy, smooth, and delightful, their staff is ridiculously pushy and prices are through. The. Roof. Even I, a truly serious hummus lover, has issues with such markups.
Deliciousness factor: Very solid–if you can afford it.
Stomach hurting factor: Surprisingly none.
Hummus Kitchen
Of course you've eaten at this growing hummus-centric mini-chain. With super fluffy pita, insanely creamy (but not Sabra-gross) platters of hummus, well-seasoned mezze, and an easy atmosphere, it's a total crowd pleaser that I would venture to say revolutionized the definition of hummus in NYC. All that said, stay away from their takeout operation if you can. Portions always leave you scraping the containers for that last bite.
Deliciousness factor: Crowd-pleaser.
Stomach hurting factor: Significant.
Evidence: This Hummus Kitchen takeout was never touched and it's half full (as opposed to half empty!).